Hong Kong politics is heating up as the legislature debates whether to change the selection process for a new chief executive. Currently the chief executive is elected by the 1200 person nominating committee. A simple majority is enough to elect. It has been proposed that the people of HK take part in the election of a new chief executive. The sand in the gas tank is Beijing’s participation. The PRC government has proposed that while the nominating committee choose candidates for top spot, a maximum of three people are to be nominated. In addition, Beijing has stated that they will decide if any candidates are suitable. Those not suitable will not be allowed to run. The populace will then be allowed to vote for one of the approved candidates. This does not sit well with many of the people of HK who were promised free elections by 2017 when Britain agreed to turn its former colony back to China under the one country two systems promised. Last year protests about Beijing’s interference sparked the Umbrella Revolution which saw protesters all but shut down the business in HK. Currently, protesters have gathered outside the legislative buildings. Supporters of the Beijing backed proposal also gathered outside the buildings.

The government in Beijing has stated through its media outlets that the coming elections are about maintaining stability and prosperity.

Looking around the world, some countries’ and regions’ universal suffrage systems are not in line with the actual situation on the ground, causing social chaos, economic hardship and difficulties too numerous to mention,” the paper said.HK Daily TimesWhile most of the elected assembly is pro-Beijing in this instance, there are enough against the proposition to veto the change if they decide to vote as a block.If the proposal is passed by the assembly, there are 5 million people in HK who are eligible to vote.﻿Latest﻿ - Hong Kong Legislature Rejects Beijing-Backed Election Plan

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